Gary Hanna was formally named Selah’s new fire chief Tuesday night after about a month of holding the position on an interim basis.

Fire District 2 commissioners approved the recommendation from Selah Mayor John Gawlik and the city administrator to make Hanna the permanent chief by a 2-1 vote.

“We’ve got a very capable person in Gary,” said commissioner Ken Pendleton, who voted in favor of the nomination along with commissioner Brad Helms. Hanna joined the Selah Fire Department in 1974 as a volunteer and served as deputy chief since 2003.

He steps in for former longtime fire Chief Jerry Davis, who was put on paid administrative leave Oct. 7. Commissioner Lanny Bonsen voted against Hanna’s nomination, but said it had to do with his opposition to the process and not the candidate. The city and district jointly deliver fire protection services, and both have a say in personnel matters.

Source:  WAIFC via Yakima Herald

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